Learn about the issues before going to polls

Interestingly, the ballot contains several questions that do not involve candidates. They include three proposed amendments to the Colorado constitution, retention of judges within several courts, a city of Fort Collins referred question, and a limited ballot for the possible formation of a municipal district to fund public improvements.

All registered voters have been sent a copy of the "Blue Book," which contains information on the state constitutional questions and recommendations on the various judges standing for retention. On the constitutional questions, the booklet contains analyses of the issues, arguments for and against the issues, and an estimate of future fiscal impacts. Voters should read this factual booklet published by the General Assembly for truly detailed information. Retiring state Rep. B.J. Nikkel of Loveland represented our area on this committee.

Amendment S proposes increasing the number and type of classified state employees covered under the state personnel system, expands hiring preferences for veterans, changes testing and hiring procedures for filling vacancies, and revises the State Personnel Board. Locally, it does impact nonclassified employees within higher education, so impact at CSU will be minimal. In reading the Blue Book, any improvement or regression in the personnel system based on this proposed amendment is not overtly obvious.

Amendment 64 covers the use and regulation of marijuana. Possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana by people 21 or older would not violate state law. Oddly, possession of marijuana even for medical purposes remains federally illegal. The amendment provides an excise tax of up to $40 million annually on marijuana sales to construct public schools.

The amendment proposes palliative tax inducements, but possession would remain against federal law.

Amendment 65 asks the Colorado congressional delegation to support campaign finance limits by amending the U.S. Constitution to create spending limits. Rather than starting a hopeless process to amend the U.S. Constitution, citizens would be better served to elect a president who would appoint Supreme Court justices to overturn the Citizens United decision.

The judges up for retention include those of the Court of Appeals, district courts, and Larimer County court. All of the judges except for one were unanimously recommended for retention by votes of 10-0. However, one county court judge received a vote of 7-3, which continues this judge's pattern over several periods. With some of the recent votes concerning the judicial system, it will be interesting to see if the retention votes narrow from earlier years.

The referred city of Fort Collins question to restore medical marijuana sales within the city is citizen-initiated. This is an attempt to reverse the Nov. 1, 2011, result of the citizen election. In 2000, the Colorado Constitution was amended to allow medical marijuana. In 2010, the General Assembly permitted municipalities to license and regulate marijuana sales. If the measure passes now, Fort Collins would again be able to collect as much as $500,000 of sales taxes and license fees on medical marijuana sales. If state amendment 64 also passes, Fort Collins may need to broaden its marijuana regulations.

The last item on some ballots is to form a special district to fund public improvements such as roads and storm drainage. Only property owners within the district will be able to vote. Tax increment financing from the district's increased property valuations will provide the financing.

John Knezovich is a certified public accountant. His column appears every other Wednesday. Send email to john@kwcpallc.com.

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John Knezovich is a certified public accountant and former Fort Collins mayor and City Council member. Send e-mail to john@kwcpallc.com.

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Learn about the issues before going to polls

The election is 34 days from today. Interestingly, the ballot contains several questions that do not involve candidates.